MTA New York City Transit Set to Launch Traffic Signal Priority Pilot Along M15 SBS

With a goal of further improving speeds and efficiency along Select Bus Service (SBS) corridors, the MTA is launching a Traffic Signal Priority (TSP) system pilot on the M15 SBS route. MTA New York City Transit is seeking Board approval for this contract.

The TSP system will hold traffic signals green, allowing bus customers to shave time off of their commutes and improving bus on-time performance.

"Traffic Signal Prioritization is a vital piece in making bus travel more attractive," said NYC Transit President Thomas F. Prendergast. "It is no great secret that the faster and more dependable we can make our buses, the more attractive the service will be to our riders."

"We're giving Select Bus Service the green light and investing in technology to speed up buses and save passengers time," said NYC Dept. of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. "Every minute counts for New Yorkers, so expanding transit signal priority will provide even more reliable service for the increasing number of SBS riders on the M15."

The contract with Global Traffic Technologies, valued at more than $480,000, will see the installation of TSP equipment on up to 60 buses serving the M15 SBS route. The initial TSP-equipped buses are expected to be online in November. There is an option for expansion that includes the provision for installation of equipment on up to 200 additional buses, for which subsequent Board approval would be sought.

The TSP effort is being carried out in cooperation with the City Department of Transportation, which has previously installed controller equipment and created a Traffic Management Center.

A version of TSP which does not connect to the Traffic Management Center is in operation on the Bronx's successful Fordham Road Bx12 SBS.